The Department of Transportation has proposed plans for a "road diet" on East Tremont Avenue in Throgs Neck, leaving business owners feel upset over the possible changes.

Businesses along East Tremont Avenue have seen a reduction in business during the pandemic, and now fear it may get worse with this traffic proposal.

"In this pandemic a lot of people are suffering right now just to put food on the table. You want to turn around and instead of helping us by putting projects forward that are going to help the neighborhood, they are going to turn around and do something that is going to take away from the neighborhood, " says Bob Jaen, executive director of the Throgs Neck BID.

According to the DOT, the proposal will reduce driving lanes both on East Tremont Avenue and Harding Avenue. There will be a parking lane and driving lane, with a bike lane in the middle on each side, as well as a turning lane.

Neighbors say this will force cars to go into oncoming traffic when a truck double parks to unload.

Community Board 10 says they have not historically support road diets, and are asking the DOT to hold off until after the pandemic.

Both the community board and BID are encouraging those in the neighborhood to get in touch before the July 22 meeting on the matter.